HP ProDesk 600 G4 Microtower Upgrade Guide: RAM, SSD, CPU

Lifecycle and support

A current model: sold new and supported.

Dates not listed haven't been published by the manufacturer or a reliable third party.

Memory (RAM) upgrades

The Microtower has four DIMM slots for full-size DDR4 desktop memory (UDIMM). Laptop-style SO-DIMMs are used on the DM and all-in-one versions, not on this model. Use non-ECC, unbuffered modules only; do not buy ECC or registered memory. HP lists 4, 8 and 16 GB modules, so the most you can fit is 64 GB (4 x 16 GB). HP says no memory is soldered and all slots can be upgraded by the owner.

The top memory speed is DDR4-2666, but the real speed depends on your processor. HP lists the i5-8500, i5-8600 and i7-8700 at 2666, while the i3-8300 is listed at 2400, so an i3 machine will likely run memory at 2400. HP supports two modules per channel at 2666 when both modules in the channel have the same part number. Mixing different modules may lower the speed, and mixed sizes may only partly run in dual-channel mode.

One seller claims this PC can take 128 GB. HP's own documents say 64 GB, so treat 64 GB as the supported limit. If you run a 32-bit version of Windows, only about 3 GB of memory may be usable, so extra RAM would be wasted.

Buying tips

• Buy full-size DDR4 UDIMM, not SO-DIMM.
• Choose non-ECC, unbuffered modules.
• Buy identical modules or a matched kit; for four modules, use the same part number throughout.
• Don't go above 16 GB per module or 64 GB in total.
• Faster than 2666 won't help, and an i3-8300 will likely use 2400 anyway.

Storage upgrades (M.2 SSD and drive bays)

There is one M.2 slot for storage that takes 2230 or 2280 drives over NVMe. HP's own M.2 drives are PCIe Gen3 NVMe in 128, 256 and 512 GB sizes (80 x 22 mm). Larger NVMe drives are likely to work, but this is unverified. HP's documents don't say whether the slot accepts SATA-type M.2 drives, so stick with NVMe. A second M.2 2230 slot exists, but it is for the wireless card, not storage. Some configurations with Intel Optane may already use the storage slot; check yours before buying.

For extra capacity there are one 3.5 inch bay and two 2.5 inch bays, all SATA. HP offers 500 GB to 2 TB 7200 rpm hard drives and 256 to 512 GB SATA SSDs as factory options. Those are what HP sells, not tested limits, so bigger drives may well work. A 5.25 inch bay is also listed, normally used for an optical drive.

Two details are unconfirmed. HP doesn't state a thickness limit for the 2.5 inch bays; its sample SATA SSD is 7 mm thick. HP also doesn't state how many SATA ports the Microtower board has, so using all three SATA bays at once may not be possible.

Buying tips

• For the fastest drive, buy an M.2 NVMe SSD in 2280 (or 2230) size.
• Don't buy a SATA-only M.2 drive; support for it isn't confirmed.
• A 7 mm 2.5 inch SATA SSD is the safest size for the 2.5 inch bays.
• A 2.5 inch SSD works in the 3.5 inch bay only with a mounting bracket, if your unit doesn't already include one.
• Check how many SATA ports you have free before planning more than one extra SATA drive.

Processor (CPU) upgrades

HP's documents list 8th-generation Intel Core desktop processors for this model: i7-8700 (6 cores, 65 W), i5-8600, i5-8500 and i3-8300 (4 cores). The highest listed power rating is 65 W, and HP documents no higher limit. HP's documents don't name the socket; these CPUs use LGA1151, so the processor is probably replaceable, but this is inferred rather than confirmed.

The realistic upgrade is moving up within the same 8th-generation, 65 W range, for example from an i3-8300 to an i5 or i7 from the list. That would also let memory run at 2666 instead of 2400. HP doesn't document support for 9th-generation chips, so treat them as unverified and risky.

Buying tips

• Stick to the 8th-gen chips HP lists, at 65 W or less.
• Look up your current CPU model first so you know what counts as an upgrade.
• Avoid 9th-gen CPUs unless you accept that compatibility is unconfirmed.
• Check the owner's manual for how the cooler comes off before you buy.

How to upgrade

Before you start

• Find your exact model and configuration (Microtower, not DM, SFF or all-in-one); the HP spec sheets cover several models.
• Back up your important files.
• Check whether you run 32-bit or 64-bit Windows before buying more than 4 GB of RAM.
• Note your current CPU, memory and drive details so you can match or beat them.
• Have the owner's manual or service guide handy for exact disassembly steps.

Steps

1. Back up your data
   Copy important files to an external drive or cloud storage, especially before changing or replacing a drive.
2. Power off and unplug
   Shut the PC down fully, unplug the power cable and any other cables, and press the power button once to drain leftover power.
3. Ground yourself
   Touch bare metal on the case or use an anti-static wrist strap before handling parts, and hold components by their edges.
4. Open the case
   Lay the PC on its side on a clean surface and remove the side panel. The owner's manual or service guide shows the exact method for this model.
5. Install the new part
   For RAM, fit full-size DDR4 modules into the DIMM slots, using matching modules. For an M.2 SSD, use the storage slot (not the wireless card slot). For SATA drives, use a drive bay and connect the SATA data and power cables. For a CPU, follow the manual's instructions for removing the cooler and seating the new chip. Refer to the manual for exact procedures.
6. Close up and reconnect
   Refit the side panel, then reconnect the cables and power.
7. Check the system sees it
   Turn the PC on and open the BIOS setup screen to confirm the new memory, drive or processor is detected. A new blank drive will need to be set up in Windows before you can use it.

Good to know

• HP's documents don't name the CPU socket; these 8th-gen chips use LGA1151, so CPU replacement is likely but not confirmed.
• HP doesn't document 9th-generation CPU support, so it is unverified.
• The M.2 slot is likely to accept NVMe drives larger than 512 GB, but that is unverified, and SATA M.2 support is not confirmed.
• The number of SATA ports on the Microtower board isn't confirmed, so the drive bays may be limited by available ports.
• No 2.5 inch drive thickness limit is stated; HP's sample SSD is 7 mm.
• One third-party seller lists 128 GB as the maximum RAM; HP's documents say 64 GB.
• Some configurations with Intel Optane may already use the M.2 storage slot.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the HP ProDesk 600 G4 Microtower take?

Up to 64 GB, using four 16 GB DDR4 modules. HP lists 4, 8 and 16 GB modules. One seller claims 128 GB, but HP's own documents say 64 GB.

What type of RAM does the ProDesk 600 G4 MT use?

Full-size DDR4 UDIMM, non-ECC and unbuffered, at up to 2666 MT/s. SO-DIMMs are for the DM and all-in-one models, not the Microtower.

Does the ProDesk 600 G4 Microtower support an M.2 NVMe SSD?

Yes. It has one M.2 slot for 2230 or 2280 drives. HP ships PCIe Gen3 NVMe drives of 128 to 512 GB; larger drives are likely to work but are unverified. Support for SATA M.2 drives isn't confirmed.

Can I add more hard drives or SSDs?

The case has one 3.5 inch bay and two 2.5 inch bays, all SATA. HP doesn't state the number of SATA ports on the board, so using every bay at once isn't confirmed.

Can I upgrade the CPU in a ProDesk 600 G4 Microtower?

Probably. HP's documents don't name the socket, but the 8th-gen desktop chips offered (i3-8300, i5-8500, i5-8600, i7-8700) use LGA1151 and are socketed. Stay within 65 W. Support for 9th-gen CPUs is not documented by HP.

Will a faster CPU speed up my memory?

It can. HP lists the i5-8500, i5-8600 and i7-8700 with 2666 memory, and the i3-8300 at 2400.

Official documents and references

• PDF HP ProDesk 600 G4 service guide
  Memory types, module sizes and CPU memory speeds
• PDF HP ProDesk 600 G4 quick specs
  Memory maximums, M.2 SSD details and notes on slots
• HP ProDesk 600 G4 MT data sheet
  Factory drive options and memory capacity
• HP ProDesk 600 G4 MT data sheet (drive bays and expansion)
  Drive bays, M.2 slots and PCIe expansion slots
• PDF HP ProDesk 600 G4 MT quick specs
  Processor options including the Optane configuration
• HP ProDesk 600 G4 Microtower user manual
  Memory population guidance and general hardware instructions